Friday, January 27, 2012

Opinion: New biomass power plant will increase home heating costs

If you’re concerned about the price of firewood for low-income Vermonters, please ask Gov. Shumlin and your state legislators to propose a moratorium on the construction of new biomass power plants in the state.

http://vtdigger.org/2011/12/21/schlossberg-new-biomass-power-plant-will-increase-home-heating-costs/

59 comments :

  1. From the opinion piece: "...heating a home over a Vermont winter can be a matter of life and death." Yep, I recall all those stories from last winter of hundreds, if not thousands of Vermonters freezing to death!

    Is it possible in this day and age to just stick to the objective facts? Such BS...

    ReplyDelete
  2. To the Brave "Anonymous",
    You may not have read about those hundreds and thousands of deaths in Vermont, but I have personally seen people in my practice who have gone hungry, without adequate winter clothes, not buying needed medicinem etc. because they had to pay for fuel, wood, pellets, or use the gas stove to keep the kitchen warm enough to huddle together. Objective enough for you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well said Tony!....

      Delete
    2. Agrees, well said!

      Delete
    3. maggie Kelly2/1/12, 7:40 AM

      Dont foreget the increase in Ashma and other related respitory problems (and cancers) that will result from this Toxic plant--its huge 35 megawatts!!! pouring toxins into our Air--its little better than burning coal. You will be told it is state of the art and puts out less than Gov't standards--PLEASE any toxin -no matter how little--is more than our kids need!

      Delete
  3. Robert Williams1/30/12, 4:34 AM

    SMART METER RADIATION

    We observe (1) Human Cell Damage, (2) DNA Chain Breaks and (3) Breaches in the Blood-Brain Barrier in the laboratory when testing the radiation from smart meters at radiation levels considerably lower and less frequent than smart meters emit attached to homes.

    These radiation effects on the body can result in cancer, tumors, miscarriage, birth defects, semen degradation (infertility) and a large number of other problems and illnesses to a body.

    It surprises us that those people who claim safety of this product do so without ever being in a testing laboratory.

    It is understandable why the utility companies and smart meter manufacturers would lie to the public, but it is curious why some members of the public support harm to their own families within their own homes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yep. Probably same person has the opinion that Vermont Yankee should be shut down. So we can all get our electricity from hydro Quebec at top dollar. Forget about heat. We'll all be back to burning candles

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous too1/30/12, 10:31 AM

    How about "Hydro Springfield" at a low cost. Why did people first settle in this area? The Comtu Falls have the power to support the town. Many other towns in Vermont would be able to use the same energy source.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great point! We should be using water power not biomass! Yes!

      Delete
  6. All those dams that were initially utilized have been filled with silt over the years. Comtu falls does generate some electricity. You won't find any more hydro projects in this state. Because of the save the fish, save the trees and the not in my backyard mentality. They can't even slow the water flow down to remove the tree on the dam by fellows. Because a minimum flow is required for the abundant fish population in the black river.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks to the "greenies" in this state!!!

      Delete
    2. New low flow technology could be implemented this allows a bio-friendly / fish friendly / turtle friendly / PEOPLE friendly balance.

      Open ended with no dam.

      I an a Greeny. That is what we want here in vermont. The Green Mountain State.
      Go Comtu falls

      Delete
    3. Go Greenies! Yes, that is why we live in Vermont, an exceptionally beautiful state and all what you say sounds great.

      Delete
  7. you can use Comtu Falls..

    new low flow technology works and is environmentally friendly.

    The power then used to power over unity devices or electrical amplifiers winds up being quite substantial.

    This should be the Town of Springfield Vt's primary goal.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ok. And how would that reduce taxes. Still have the issue of the residents in this town not wanting business

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. actually the result is allot of free heat and electricity for the town, state, and locals.

      That is probably going to raise taxes.

      The good thing is lower electric bills and lower heat bills, for Springfield residents who now have more savings even above the slight increase in taxes.

      any Springfield politicain could run with this to the top, it's also like an endless supply of votes, so I'm sure the Town's integrity could be showcased.

      Delete
    2. Why don't you run? I would vote for you. And why don't we get to elect a mayor?

      Delete
  9. I take it.you have investors lined up for this project and its good to go?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. inspector gadget1/30/12, 11:55 AM

      Well I wouldn't start by spending the school budget on reviewing

      Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy
      and
      anisotropy/fresnel conditions

      or creating a Vocational Techical program with a hands on shop or lab.

      No, that would be to easy.

      Delete
    2. As far as spending money on the hands on shop or lab, I have to say your wrong!! College isn't for every student, and the Vocational Tech Center allows them to get hands on experience in a field of which they may have an interest in.

      Delete
    3. uhhh.

      the VoTech program I meant was for Springfield Schools and I meant middle and High School.

      I don't care if the students "aren't interested"

      And,
      I would start here. I was using sarcasm.

      Delete
    4. Yes --from Mass--where govt tightened controls--now they come to VT. with promise of millions of dollars and jobs to Springfield if they build here (think prison) --they didn't exactly tell everyone the impacts though. People hear renewable and think oh that is great--there is cost to your health, forest, environment and way of life. THE PROPOSED SITE IS A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD (ZONED INDUSTRIAL)--Yet still residential with elderly, and children--who will be affected the most by this. And your homes will be devalued as well--who wants to live in a town with pollutants?

      Delete
    5. Green Mountaineer2/4/12, 10:07 AM

      the guy above me is talking about the bio-mass plant. He makes some good points, again.

      The hydro idea is From Springfield Vt. A good alternative to the Biomass plant

      Delete
  10. How many jobs will it create? How much tax revenue will Springfield get? I hear everyone complaining about residential property taxes. A few businesses could help with the burden. If only they were allowed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jobs? it could help put any company into international competition.

      Without the overhead of heat and electricity, everyone in Springfield would have game.

      Taxes? this isn't so much about taxes, what you get is free heat and electricity. Taxes may go up.

      Delete
    2. IT will create 28 jobs and lots of toxin in the air and water--its only a little better than a coal burning plant--NOT Worth it. Goggle on Utube the interviews of people living biomass plants. go to web sites of other biomass Plants--there are at least 3 big 50 megawatt plants in Mass. Mass got smart and tightened controls on them--they are now looking to set up in VT. Do we want Green Mountains or Brown Mountains.

      Delete
    3. watchman's watcher2/4/12, 10:16 AM

      The Above Anon
      when speaking about free heat and electricity is refering to Hydro in the Rivers using low flow technology.

      International competition and Springfield Having Game is a LOW FLOW HYDRO concept.

      Don't let a biomass advocate confuse you by adding comments in between the origional comments.

      Delete
  11. Free. Nothing is free. You actually believe you will have free heat and electricity. I want to be in your reality.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are in our reality. Precision Made in Springfield

      free heat

      free electricity

      excess heat and electricity to be sold and or traded / surpluss power to export.

      Delete
  12. Sounds good to me. Where do I sign up? I would love to have 2 of my most expensive bills dropped to nothing. Then I wouldn't have the stress on how I am gonna pay for it each month.

    ReplyDelete
  13. @ Anon re:Comtu falls....
    "no other hydro electric in Vermont?" You Sir are under informed on the subject. Ever hear of Cavendish Gorge?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vermont should go Hydro before they burn their woods

      Delete
    2. Better tell that to all the people that are fighting the rivers being dammed due to fishery and other aquatic life concerns. ie the soft shelled turtle takes precedence over hydro.

      Delete
    3. Connecticut River Power1/30/12, 6:35 PM

      those good people all seem to agree on line about low flow technology and open ended processes all of which REQUIRE NO DAMN.

      Your own sewer pipe can run a low flow device, I hope that doesn't get damned !!!.

      Yes the future is here, again.

      and we all like turtles.

      Delete
    4. doughtnut meter1/30/12, 7:12 PM

      @ anonymous.

      your so right, save the turtles and fish but let our children fry their brains to RF radiation.

      Delete
  14. There will be no new hydro's

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. bluff caller1/30/12, 3:01 PM

      thank the lord your not in charge !!

      Delete
  15. Free heat, electricity. Yeah right. And tree huggers. We're screwed in this state.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. been there done that1/30/12, 4:14 PM

      @ "In this State"

      other states have rivers too.

      over unity electrical devices can be used anywhere.

      and oh, by the way..

      Why You Gotta' put hate on the trees ?

      Delete
    2. Green Mountain to Bald Mountain State2/4/12, 10:20 AM

      Yeah, seriously.
      Is this not The Green Mountain State.

      has anyone else claimed the title of
      Bald Mountain State ?

      Delete
    3. Re: Biomass plant
      SPRINGFIELD SHOULD NOT BE A DUMPING GROUND
      As for the person complaining about tree huggers, may I respectfully suggest that you move to NH?
      Actually I think many people in NH also love trees. Oh dear I am descending to the lower levels of the blog conversation. Must get out. But I am very happy to hear some positive discussion of hydro.

      And as for the biomass plant, why should Springfield be a dumping ground for polluting technology?
      This may be renewable energy (if we really have enough trees and water, which is very uncertain) but the damage to the air quality appears to be significant, from the testimony I have heard. Massachusetts has already done a lot of research and said no to large biomass plants. Biomass plants also emit more carbon and other dangerous chemicals than coal plants. This winter we have seen the effects of global warming. The weather pattern is really messed up. Vermont needs to stick with its plan of reducing greenhouse gases and a Biomass plant is a step in the wrong direction.
      Anyone who doesn't know much about the proposed plant should look at the links on the NoSag site.

      Delete
  16. Yes and other states unlike Vermont welcome business. They don't fight it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. biomass today or over unity tommorrow1/30/12, 4:56 PM

      yep, that is where they make 'em these days, not here so much anymore.

      Our current leaders
      seem to have over $150,000,000.00 to spend
      but can't think of anything better than a really really big wood fire.

      shouldn't we fight that?

      Delete
    2. YOU BET we need to fight back. Inform yourselves and others on BioMass Plants. Use that money on Solar/wind/water. Shumlin just passed a bill that spurs incentives on Solar. Biomass is touted as renewable and clean--Don't believe it. Read what is goingon with BioMass inother states. Goggle it.

      Delete
  17. Fight all you want if you have an alternative in line to decrease the residential taxpayers burden by almost 2 million. If not don't complain about your tax rate. If this plant does not get built. You only voted for your own increase and once again place the majority of the tax burden on homeowners instead of sharing the burden with business.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Energy Solution Tech1/30/12, 6:24 PM

      you are counting taxes and votes not BTUs

      Delete
  18. I am counting on business in this town to help reduce the tax burden. Also jobs would be nice for the area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 28 jobs???-not worth it.

      Delete
    2. hmm...a 9,000,000.00 dollar payroll and only 28 jobs, where do I sign up

      Delete
    3. exposing a liar2/8/12, 12:57 PM

      you read this wrong. No where does it say
      $9,000,000,00 = 28 jobs.

      sounds good and there are a whole mess of stupid people here in Springfield that will vote based on your miss-quote.

      So, I hope your yard burns up. Just like you want to burn my trees.

      Delete
    4. In the end (after contractors, subcontractors--probaly even out of state contractors make their money) this plant will employ 28 people, strip our mountains, expose us to health risks--not worth anything to me. Springfield needs to get good manufacturing jobs here--not an electrical generation plant.

      Delete
    5. Easter Island Biomass Expert2/9/12, 8:52 AM

      PERFECTLY SAID !!!

      after all the money goes to OUT OF STATE companies

      we get to die of BIOMASS health problems.

      Springfield can get it's electricity from the Black River if it needs to.

      Pick a starting point. How about the center of Town? START THERE.

      Don't screw this up, you will be remebered.

      Delete
  19. What votes do I need. I only have 3 years left in this town then I'm leaving. Born and bred in Springfield. Been here all my life. But being driven out by backward thinking transplants.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lisa Simpson1/30/12, 7:15 PM

    did she say
    "Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy
    and
    anisotropy/fresnel conditions"
    I am so charmed

    ReplyDelete
  21. How many of you realize that the City of Burlington has a biomass power plant? Ever notice it when you're up that way?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should notice it and also hear what the people living next to it have to sat. How many tons of Hazzardous Air Pollutants will this plant produce--because it will produce it. That can't be denied and is not denied--go to WWW: massenvironmentalenergy.org.
      Even if it does not burn construction & demolition debries and uses only trees--it still produces pollutants: Chromium, lead, Mercury, dioxins, benzene, methylene, chloride, ARsenic--oh sure they will say Minor amounts under Federal Clean Air standards--minor is too much.

      Delete
    2. Burlington yes, N. Springfield No.2/4/12, 10:24 AM

      Oh, yeah.

      I often think of a comparison between North Springfield and Burlington ?

      Isn't one big, and one small ?

      One should have a biomass plant and one should not.

      Delete
    3. our cars put out more pollutants from burning gasoline and oil than this plant will put out.. nobody complains about all the wood stoves burning in vermont... until it is put into a larger perspective.. I have heard that it will actually create 128 jobs, with a 9million dollar payroll per year.. thats roughly 52 G a year if every employee is paid the same.. (of course they wont as there will be managers and workers) . I am not taking sides on this issue yet, just pointing out some issues.

      Delete
    4. Smoke Signals2/4/12, 3:16 PM

      hehehe..

      I wouldn't sleep in the car with the garage door shut

      and I also wouldn't sit on top of the chimney.

      But I would like a clean home.

      Yup, I would want a place far far away from things like automobile pollution and Too Much smoke polluting everything I breath. Yeah, I'd like a place far far away from that, one with clean air. A place that was always going to have clean air. A place like North Springfield Vt

      Delete


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